Government mandates free seat selection for at least 60% of seats on every flight

The Ministry of Civil Aviation has directed all airlines to make at least 60% of seats on every flight available for free selection, marking a significant change in passenger service standards. The directive, issued through the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), is designed to improve passenger convenience, ensure fair access and bring greater transparency and uniformity to airline practices.

According to News On AIR, the government has instructed airlines to implement the new seat allocation policy as part of a broader set of passenger-friendly measures covering seating, baggage, pet travel and passenger rights.

Wider passenger protections introduced

The latest directions extend beyond seat selection and require airlines to adopt more consistent and transparent customer service practices.

Key measures include:

• A minimum of 60% of seats on every flight must be available for free selection.
• Passengers travelling under the same Passenger Name Record (PNR) must be seated together, preferably in adjacent seats.
• Airlines must facilitate the carriage of sports equipment and musical instruments through transparent and passenger-friendly policies.
• Airlines have been directed to publish clear and transparent policies governing the carriage of pets.

The Ministry said the measures are intended to create a more uniform passenger experience across scheduled carriers.

Focus on delays, cancellations and passenger awareness

The government has also reinforced compliance with the existing passenger rights framework, particularly in situations involving flight delays, cancellations and denied boarding.

Under the new directions, airlines must prominently display passenger rights across:

• Airline websites
• Mobile applications
• Booking platforms
• Airport counters

In addition, carriers have been instructed to communicate passenger entitlements in regional languages to improve accessibility and awareness among travellers.

Push for greater transparency

The latest directive reflects the government's broader effort to standardise airline practices while making services easier for passengers to understand and access.

By expanding free seat selection, encouraging families and groups travelling on the same booking to sit together, and requiring greater visibility of passenger rights, the Ministry aims to improve transparency across India's aviation sector.

Airlines are now expected to implement the directions issued through the DGCA as part of their customer service policies.